Tamper evident seal

Abstract

Packaging (1) is provided with a frangible seal (180), together with a method of producing such packaging. The packaging comprises an outer packet part (100) and multiple inner packet parts (150) disposed within the outer packet part. The inner packet parts can move relative to the outer packet part between a closed position and an open position. The seal (180) comprises a body portion coupled to the outer packet part, and separable portions each coupled to one of the inner packet parts. When an inner packet part (150) is moved from the closed position to the open position, this causes the seal (180) to break.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the provision of seals for packaging. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to the provision of frangible seals which act as tax or revenue stamps on packaging for tobacco products such as cigarettes.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]It is a requirement in many countries that packaging for products to which a tax or duty is applied is sealed using a tamper evident tax or revenue seal. The purpose of the seal is to guarantee that the appropriate duty has been paid for each package containing such products. A particular example of such a practice is in packaging for cigarettes.[0003]Typical cigarette packaging comprises a hinged lid coupled to a main body in which the cigarettes are held. To access the cigarettes, a consumer opens the hinged lid. A tax stamp of revenue seal may therefore be applied across the joint between the body of the packaging and the hinged lid, so that when the lid is opened...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a seal for packaging that can be irreversibly altered in its physical or optical structure if any of the inner packet parts moves relative to the outer packet part. The seal includes a tamper evidencing portion that is separated from the body portion of the seal by a tear line or fold line, which helps to make the seal easy to break. The inner and outer packet parts can rotate relative to each other, which allows for a levering effect to increase the breaking force applied to the seal. This ensures that the seal cannot be easily opened without being torn or discoloured. The packaging with two inner packet parts provides a user-friendly arrangement and multiple inner packet parts prevent unnecessary complexity while ensuring freshness. The tamper evidencing portions are located near the rotational axis of the inner packet parts to increase the breaking force when opened.

Problems solved by technology

As such, movement of the inner packet part relative to the outer packet part causes the tamper evidencing portion to move relative to the body portion, thus irreversibly altering the seal.

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